New walking track and swingbridge mooted for Reefton
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
A new walking and cycling track between Reefton and Blacks Point is on the cards at last, according to Inangahua Community Board chairman John Bougen.
The proposed track would follow the line of the water race being built and restored by the Reefton Powerhouse Trust, along the west bank of the Inangahua River, Bougen told the board meeting this week.
"There's been considerable talk in the past about a swingbridge to be built at Blacks Point which would then enable people to go into town on the Powerhouse Walk, or come from the [town end] swingbridge, which is about to have a new ramp on it."
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) had listened to the council and people who wanted a safer way of walking between Reefton and Blacks Point, he said.
"That would be a lovely walk and connect with some of the other walks in the area so you could do a circuit without having to go on the main road, which is actually really hairy when [cyclists and walkers] are coming in that way."
The council was now looking favourably on the idea of taking ownership of the new swingbridge that would be needed at the Blacks Point end of the walk, Bougen said.
"That is the one thing that has been holding this project back, so if that could happen, it would be a fitting end to my time on council and it would make the people of Blacks Point very happy."
NZTA was also looking at reducing the speed limit through Blacks Point, probably to 60kmh, with an 80kmh limit on the remaining stretch into Reefton, he said.
The board chairman is not planning to stand again for the Buller District Council in next year's local body elections.
⚠️ DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. If you love them, don't leave them. ⚠️
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
Best way to use leftovers?
I'm sure you've got some excess ham at home or cold roast potatoes.
What are some of your favourite ways to use leftover food from Christmas day? Share below.